Why Does My 256GB USB Flash Drive Only Showing 32GB

Roxanne updated on Sep 13, 2024 to Disk Management Questions Answered | How-to Articles

I purchased a 256GB flash drive, which I use as the installation driver for Windows 10. However, it only shows 32 GB in Disk Management. Why? How to fix it?

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First, let's explore the common reasons why your 256GB flash drive only shows 32GB on your PC:

  • The drive is formatted as FAT32. The FAT32 file system has a maximum single partition size limit of 32GB. 
  • The drive has an invalid or unallocated partition. If the drive was not properly partitioned during formatting, Windows may only recognize the first 32GB partition while leaving the remaining space unallocated or with an invalid partition.
  • It's a Windows installation/recovery drive. Some recovery drives created by PC manufacturers are partitioned only to use 32GB.

Don't worry. EaseUS Partition Master Free can help you resolve this issue and access the full capacity. This free tool will offer solid features, including formatting USB and extending the system partition:

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Tip 1. Format USB Flash Drive from FAT32 to NTFS

Note: Formatting the USB will wipe all data stored on it. Therefore, you should save your important data on another storage device in advance.

Step 1. Insert your USB disk and launch EaseUS Partition Master on the PC.

Step 2. To partition your flash drive to NTFS, right-click it and select "Advanced" > "FAT to NTFS."

Step 3. Verify the warning message and initiate the procedure.

Tip 2. Extend the USB Partition to Full Capacity

Note: Ensure you have free space on the USB, or you should make unallocated space first.

Step 1. In "Partition Manager" of EaseUS Partition Master, right-click on the partition that shows the wrong size and choose "Resize/Move."

Step 2.  Hold the partition's end and move it into the unallocated space to add more space, then click "OK."

Step 3. Select "Execute Task" and "Apply" to initiate the actions and expand the USB system partition.

⭐Read More:  How to Restore USB Drive Back to Full Capacity [100% Working]

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